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Explore the beauty of California on a Sonoma safari. Sonoma, California is located in Sonoma Valley, home to many quality wineries and vineyards. This hub of the wine industry is also the place where the famed Sonoma Valley Film Festival takes place each year. Considered the birthplace of California wine making, Sonoma has it all: culture, history, gastronomic delights and beautiful landscapes. It also boasts some other family attractions, like Sonoma safaris, that can make your stay here extra fun. What better way to take all this in than by staying at a Sonoma bed and breakfast? BBOnline can help hook you up with the best inns around, a unique way to experience the natural beauty of wine country. Check out our maps, listings and features to help you select the one that's right for you.
Safari West
3115 Porter Creek Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 579-2551
http://www.safariwest.com/
A safari...in wine country? Sure! Check out Safari West to come in close contact with hundreds of animals on the preserve, including gazelles, giraffes, lions and zebras. These three-hour Sonoma safari tours bring visitors on an exciting exploration of the wildlife preserve, where the animals roam free. You may mistake it for an African luxury safari, complete with authentic safari vehicles, guides and all the wildlife you can spot. Head to an animal presentation, take part in a guided private animal experience, have your photo taken with a cheetah, visit Fast Cat Alley or sign up for a revealing behind-the-scenes tour. Situated on 400 acres, Safari West was established in 1989. With more than 80 species of animals living here, it's sure to be a treat for you and your family.
Cornerstone Gardens
23570 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 933-3010
http://www.cornerstonegardens.com/
Cornerstone Gardens, opened in 2004, is an internationally acclaimed showcase of innovative landscape design. In 2009, it was given the distinction of being named one of Sunset magazine's Top 10 Western Gardens. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for self-guided walking tours, Cornerstone Sonoma on Arnold Drive is a unique family destination. Free admission makes this an even better deal. Located between Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley, the Gardens at Cornerstone Sonoma feature the creative works of global landscape architects and designers. Visitors simply walk through and view these masterpieces, ranging from traditional in style to modern. Nearby are boutiques and galleries to peruse, or you can pick up some local wines to take back with you to your Sonoma inn.
Sonoma TrainTown
20264 Broadway, Highway 12
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-3912
http://www.traintown.com/
If you or your kids are fascinated by trains, head to Sonoma TrainTown, voted 2007's Best of Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley Family Outings. From September to May, it's open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and open every day during the summer. Spend the day riding the rails on narrow-gauge train replicas. This scale railroad adventure is a bit over a mile long, providing fun for the entire family. On weekends, check out the carousel, airplane rides, Ferris wheel, roller coaster and more, to really round out your trip.